Leaderboard: They're the natural enemy of every flat tire: hand pumps. While the helpers in an emergency used to only have space on the frame, today they are available in almost every imaginable size and shape. We took a look at some handy pumps for mountain bikes - they all have one thing in common: their pistons are designed for high volume - this means that even thick knobby tires can be quickly pressurized again.
micropumps? mini pumps? hand pumps?
As already mentioned, there are now all sorts of subcategories of hand pumps. The very small micropumps are mostly used in racing bikes, since the helpers have to find space in the jersey pocket and should also be very light. When it comes to mountain biking, you are usually a bit more flexible: you often have a small trail backpack with you or have a saddlebag mounted. Incidentally, there are no precise specifications as to the length from which a pump is considered a micro pump and when a mini pump - in case of doubt it doesn't matter, because it is important that it is not too large for the intended area of application.
Hose or normal pump head?
There are now two approaches to the pump head: Many modern models now use an extendable hose that is screwed or plugged onto the valve. This definitely has advantages: You remain much more flexible on the trail and don't always have to hold the pump perpendicular to the valve - this saves nerves, energy and protects the valve. The disadvantages are more of a theoretical nature - with such a system more seals have to be installed and the structure is a bit more complex overall - theoretically such a pump is more susceptible to a defect. In practice, however, we didn't have any problems with any of the test candidates. But even those who prefer a conventional, classic pump head will still find what they are looking for on the market and also get very good hand pumps.
How did we test?
To determine the pump performance, we filled one and the same tire with all pumps. We chose a Specialized Fast Trak in 29″ and with a width of 2,2″ – a really large-volume model. First we always empty the hose completely and then fill it with 200 strokes from the respective pump. We then measure the pressure achieved with a Schwalbe Air Max and compare it.
Mini pumps MTB
| Product | Length | Overall rating | Value for Money | Details | Price | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Xtreme Airik Telescope XL | 190 mm | 90% | [graphs height="20"][graph title="Title" score="90" color="#27d000" text_color="#fff"]][/graphs] Trial 06/2015 | 92% | [graphs height="20"][graph title="Title" score="92" color="#27d000" text_color="#fff"]][/graphs] |  Very compact Outstanding pump performance Solid workmanship | RRP: € 19,90 |
|
Topeak Race Rocket MT | 195 mm | 91% | [graphs height="20"][graph title="Title" score="91" color="#27d000" text_color="#fff"]][/graphs] Test: 06/2015 | 85% | [graphs height="20"][graph title="Title" score="85" color="#27d000" text_color="#fff"]][/graphs] | Outstanding workmanship Rubberized handle Very good pump performance | RRP: € 29,95 |
|
Zefal Air Profile FC01 | 200 mm | 80% | [graphs height="20"][graph title="Title" score="80" color="#27d000" text_color="#fff"]][/graphs] Trial 06/2015 | 84% | [graphs height="20"][graph title="Title" score="84" color="#27d000" text_color="#fff"]][/graphs] | Good pump performance Nice and compact Mixed processing | RRP: € 17,90 |
|
Specialized Air Tool MTB | 245 mm | 86% | [graphs height="20"][graph title="Title" score="86" color="#27d000" text_color="#fff"]][/graphs] Test: 06/2015 | 83% | [graphs height="20"][graph title="Title" score="78" color="#27d000" text_color="#fff"]][/graphs] | Great processed Outstanding pump performance Very large | RRP: € 24,90 |
|
SKS Spaero Double Action | 241 mm | 86% | [graphs height="20"][graph title="Title" score="86" color="#27d000" text_color="#fff"]][/graphs] Test: 06/2015 | 70% | [graphs height="20"][graph title="Title" score="70" color="#8deb86" text_color="#fff"]][/graphs] | Very comfortable pumping Decent pump performance Rather big | RRP: € 39,99 |